Lucky Leprechaun Rice Krispie Treats are a fun and festive twist on the classic marshmallow and cereal snack. These treats are bursting with bright green colors, fun sprinkles, and a little bit of magic that makes them perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or any time you want a cheerful treat. The crispy texture of the rice cereal mixed with gooey marshmallows creates a perfect chewy bite that everyone loves.
I love making these treats because they bring a smile to everyone’s face, especially kids. Adding a few drops of green food coloring and some gold or rainbow sprinkles really turns the simple Rice Krispie Treats into something special and fun. I find it’s easiest to press the mixture into the pan while it’s still warm – it makes them stay nice and chewy without falling apart.
These Lucky Leprechaun Rice Krispie Treats are great for sharing at parties or as a sweet surprise in a lunchbox. I like to cut them into little squares and sometimes top them with a tiny candy or chocolate coin to keep the lucky theme going. They’re quick to make and always a hit, making any day feel like a little celebration!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fruity Pebbles Cereal: This cereal adds fun colors and crunch. You can swap it with any fruity or plain rice cereal, but Fruity Pebbles give the best look and flavor. I love how the colors brighten the treats!
Mini Marshmallows: They’re essential for that sticky, gooey texture. If you need a vegan option, look for plant-based marshmallows or try marshmallow fluff alternatives.
Green Gel Food Coloring: Gel colors are best since they give bright color without watering down the marshmallow mix. If you don’t have green, mix blue and yellow gels, or use natural color like spinach powder for a subtle green.
Decorating Gels and Candy Melts: These are great for adding eyes and smiles. If you don’t have them, small chocolate chips or raisins can make eyes, and white icing can substitute for candy melts.
How Do You Get the Perfect Sticky and Evenly Colored Mashmallow Mixture?
The trick is to melt butter and marshmallows slowly on low heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Once smooth, add food coloring bit by bit and mix well to get an even color without changing the marshmallow’s texture.
- Melt butter first gently over low heat.
- Add marshmallows and stir constantly until fully melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and then add gel food coloring a few drops at a time, stirring well after each drop.
- Mix in cereal quickly but carefully before marshmallow cools and hardens.
- Use a buttered spatula or hands to press mixture firmly in the pan.
This method ensures the marshmallow mix stays sticky enough to hold the cereal together, while the green color shines vividly for that lucky leprechaun look!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking pan – I use this to shape the treats evenly and easily cut into squares later.
- Large pot – perfect for melting butter and marshmallows without spills.
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon – makes stirring smooth and scraping the pan easy.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to measure cereal, marshmallows, and liquids accurately.
- Small bowls or cups – for decorating supplies like eyes and smiles, and for mixing different cereal colors.
- Non-stick spray or butter – to grease the pan, so the treats come out cleanly.
- Piping bag or plastic bag with small hole – optional, for piping details like smiles or eyes.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap Fruity Pebbles for Cheerios or Cocoa Krispies to change the flavor and color theme.
- Add mini chocolate chips or M&Ms for extra crunch and sweetness.
- Use different colored food gels or natural powders (like spinach or beet powder) for unique shades.
- Mix in shredded coconut or chopped nuts for added texture if you like a little crunch.
Lucky Leprechaun Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Treats:
- 6 cups Fruity Pebbles cereal
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows
- Green gel food coloring
For Decorating:
- Black decorating gel or edible black pearls for eyes
- White candy melts or white fondant for smile
- Blue and other colorful cereal pieces for facial details (optional)
Time Estimate
You’ll need about 20 minutes for preparation and mixing, plus roughly 30 minutes to let the treats set before decorating and cutting. These treats come together quickly and are perfect for a fun holiday snack!
How To Make Lucky Leprechaun Rice Krispie Treats
1. Prepare Your Pan:
Coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. This makes sure your treats won’t stick when you’re ready to cut and serve.
2. Melt Butter and Marshmallows:
In a large pot over low heat, melt the butter. Add the mini marshmallows and stir gently but continuously until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
3. Color and Mix the “Hat”:
Remove the pot from heat. Stir in green gel food coloring a few drops at a time until you get a bright, festive green color. Then, quickly add 5 cups of Fruity Pebbles cereal, stirring until every piece is coated in green marshmallow goo.
4. Form the Hats:
Press the green cereal mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan. This layer will become the “hat” of your leprechaun treats.
5. Prepare the Face and Body:
In a separate large bowl, mix the remaining 1 cup of Fruity Pebbles cereal (optionally combine with plain rice cereal for variation). Melt the remaining marshmallows without food coloring and stir into the cereal mixture until coated. Press this mixture firmly into another pan or around the base to form the leprechaun “face” and “body.”
6. Let the Treats Set and Cut:
Allow both pans of treats to cool and set until firm enough to handle. Then, cut into squares or desired shapes.
7. Decorate Your Leprechauns:
Use black decorating gel or edible black pearls to add eyes. Shape white candy melts or fondant into smiles and place them on the face. Add small colorful cereal pieces as cheeks or fun facial details to bring your leprechaun treats to life.
8. Final Touches:
Let the decorated treats sit until any decorating gel or candy melts have fully set, then serve and enjoy your festive Lucky Leprechaun Rice Krispie Treats!
Can I Use Regular Rice Krispies Instead of Fruity Pebbles?
Yes! Regular Rice Krispies work well if you don’t have Fruity Pebbles. The treats will be less colorful, but just as tasty and chewy.
How Do I Store Leftover Rice Krispie Treats?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Avoid refrigeration to keep them soft and chewy.
Can I Make These Treats Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare and assemble the treats a day in advance. Just keep them covered tightly to prevent them from drying out.
What If I Don’t Have Green Food Coloring?
Try mixing yellow and blue gel food colorings to get green, or use natural options like spinach powder for a subtle green tint.
